ParentsWorld November 2018 Archives

Adolescence

Teen suicides act now!

India is facing a teen suicide crisis with an increasing number of vulnerable adolescents and young adults finding it difficult to cope with the burden of parental expectations, peer pressure, demands of an exam-focused education system and breakdown of traditional family structures – Arundhati Nath On September 12 an 18-year-old student of IIT-Guwahati hanged herself in her hostel room; five days later, a final year dental student committed suicide in Hyderabad; and less than a week later, a student in IIT-Madras ended her life. A student commits suicide every hour in India, according to latest data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB). YourDOST, an online counseling service, reveals that 75,000 students committed suicide during the decade 2007-2017 — a 52 percent increase over the past decade. India is facing a student suicide crisis with an increasing number of vulnerable adolescents and young adults finding it difficult to cope with the burden of parental expectations, peer pressure, demands of an exam-focused education system and breakdown of traditional family structures. Yet despite India recording the highest youth suicides worldwide (35.5 per 100,000), there’s a curious reluctance within society, and in particular within the parents community to discuss mental health problems, especially suicide. Most parents are ignorant about mental health issues and the social stigma surrounding psychological disorders ensures that troubled teens don’t receive evaluation and counseling. In fact until March last year when the Mental Healthcare Bill, 2017 was unanimously passed by Parliament, attempted suicide was a crime under s. 309 of the Indian Penal Code. The Mental Healthcare Act decriminalises attempted suicide and recognises the importance of mental healthcare provision. According to mental health experts and counsellors, the major factors pushing adolescents and young adults over the edge are inability to cope with failure in examinations and personal relationships. Comments Tanuja Babre, programme coordinator of iCALL, a free telephone and email-based counselling helpline of the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai: “More than 30 percent of iCALL’s user base comprises adolescents and young people, and fear of suicide is one of five main reasons for which they reach out to counsellors. Drawing from iCALL’s experiences, teen suicides stem from academic or career related stress, relationship issues with peers and family, poor body image, and traumatic experiences such as bullying, sexual abuse etc.” Warning signs Richa Singh, CEO and co-founder of YourDOST, an online counselling service, lists warning signs that parents, teachers and acquaintances should watch out for in vulnerable young adults. • Intense mood swings • Constant talk of death or suicide • Intense depression • Social withdrawal • Sudden change in diet and sleep habits. • Persistent boredom, difficulty concentrating, or a decline in the quality of schoolwork • Tendency to commit self-harm Communication is key Tanuja Babre advises parents to be observant and vigilant abut behavioural changes, encourage open two-way communication, provide teens showing signs of stress their unconditional emotional support and to proactively seek professional help. “In most cases culminating in suicide, the victims were desperately trying…

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Cover Story

Raising male children in the #MeToo era

With #metoo stories dominating print and television headlines and the social media during the past two months, the role of parents in educating male children about women’s rights and freedoms, mutual consent, and practising gender equality from early age, has begun —even if belatedly — to receive academic interest and attention – Sruthy Susan Ullas A year after it kicked off a firestorm in the US, the #metoo movement i.e, a mass protest against sexual harassment of women in the workplace, has gone global. Last month, the #metoo movement swept over India like a tsunami, outing sexual predators lording it over the entertainment and media industries. A Union minister, celebrated editors, artistes, veteran actors, directors and stand-up comedians have been exposed as serial offenders as numerous highly educated and accomplished women professionals shed their inhibitions and posted their stories of sexual harassment and intimidation in the workplace on social media sites. A year earlier, sexual abuse accusations against Hollywood films producer Harvey Weinstein triggered America’s #metoo and Time’s Up revolutions, as several famous actresses opened the pandora’s box of #metoo stories on social media. Lionised as ‘silence breakers’ by the iconic globe girdling Time magazine, they were collectively honoured as Time Persons of the Year 2017. Likewise, India’s #metoo movement was ignited in Bollywood in September, when former actress Tanushree Dutta accused veteran film star Nana Patekar of sexual misconduct on a movie set ten years ago. Dutta’s adamant refusal to retract or conciliate sparked an unprecedented pent-up fire of #metoo accusations with women in several professions and vocations giving vent to long suppressed outrage. Top-level apologies, resignations and counter-attacks followed in the wake of India’s #metoo tsunami. The major celebrity swept away in the flood was M.J. Akbar, a brilliant editor-columnist and Union minister of state for external affairs. Among the severely damaged: Prashant Jha, political editor of the Hindustan Times; K.R. Srinivas, resident-editor of Times of India, Hyderabad; Chetan Bhagat, best-selling writer-author; Vikas Bahl, film director; actor Alok Nath and Hindi news channel veteran Vinod Dua. With #metoo stories dominating print and television headlines and the social media during the past two months, hitherto peripheral issues of gender equality, women’s safety, sexual assault and consent have sparked furious debates in the drawing rooms of the country’s fast expanding middle class. As educated professional women are shedding traditional inhibitions and asserting their rights to freedom of movement and safety and dignity in workplaces, the role of parents in educating male children about women’s rights and freedoms, mutual consent, practising gender equality from early age and empowering girl children to speak up against sexual abuse, has also begun — even if belatedly — to receive academic interest and attention. “The #metoo movement has raised the very important issue of women’s safety in our patriarchal male-dominated society. As a parent, I am delighted this issue has come out in the open as children and young adults need to be educated about mutual consent, the social and legal consequences of sexual assault and…

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Leisure & Travel

The enduring charm of Sri Lanka

With one of the richest treasure troves of natural and man-made wonders and a history dating back to the dawn of civilisation, despite a civil insurgency and tsunami damage, Sri Lanka’s tourism industry has recovered and is booming again The pearl on the southern tip of the Indian subcontinent, Sri Lanka (pop.21 million) is perhaps one of Asia’s richest treasure troves of natural and man-made wonders. Some of these marvels unveil a history of over 2,500 years — the sacred city of Anuradhapura, the cave temples of Dambulla, and the magnificent temples and palaces of the royal city of Kandy. This perhaps explains why despite a civil insurgency which persisted for over two decades and the devastating impact of a giant tsunami inflicting massive damage estimated at over US$ 1.5 billion (Rs.6,750 crore) upon its 1,126-km coastline in 2004, Sri Lanka’s tourism industry has recovered and is booming again. Even though the island republic is experiencing political instability currently, for the tourism industry it’s business as usual. The history of Sri Lanka (once described by author Horace Walpole as Serendip) dates back to the beginning of civilisation. Adams Peak on the island is believed to be the very place where the first eponymous human set foot on earth after expulsion from the Garden of Eden. Legend has it that a large footprint squarely atop this mountain peak is Adam’s. Then there is Adam’s Bridge — a chain of islands linking Sri Lanka to India. It is revered as a viaduct built by Lord Rama aided by the simian god Hanuman in the epic Ramayana. However the official history of the island as recorded in the Mahavamsa or Great History, dates back to 543 BC, which coincides with the arrival from India of Prince Vijaya in Sri Lanka. Some 300 years later the Anuradhapura period commenced with King Devanampiya Tissa as the first ruler of the dynasty. It was in this period that a sapling of the sacred Bodhi Tree, under which Lord Buddha attained enlightenment, was imported into the island from India. The Anuradhapura period, which began in 459 AD, witnessed the construction of Sigiriya fortress during the reign of King Kasyapa (473-495 AD). The Polonnaruwa period, witnessed the transfer of the capital from Anuradhapura to Polonnaruwa in 1073. The famous Venetian explorer, Marco Polo, reportedly anchored in Sri Lanka sometime between 1254 and 1324. Soon the Portuguese Navy landed here in 1505 and occupied the island’s coastal regions. Around that time Sri Lanka had three main kingdoms — Jaffna in the north, Kandy in the central highlands and Kotte, the most powerful, in the south-west. Employing the familiar policy of divide et impera and aiding the Kotte kings to attack and annex neighbouring territories, the Portuguese established their suzerainty over most of the island, except the central highlands around Kandy. However, infuriated by the frequent expeditions of the Portuguese, the Kandy kings enlisted the help of Dutch traders who helped to expel the Portuguese but took over their territories…

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Letter from the Managing Editor

Letter from Managing Editor

On July 5, the globally respected London-based weekly The Economist (estb.1843) featured a cover story titled ‘How India is failing its women’. The feature detailed that women’s participation in contemporary India’s workforce is lower than in any G20 country except Saudi Arabia, and contributes only one-sixth of GDP. A week earlier on June 28, a report of the London-based Thomson Reuters Foundation shocked the Indian establishment by ranking India the world’s most dangerous country for women, more threatening than Afghanistan, war-torn Syria and Saudi Arabia. These reports preceded the #metoo tsunami originating in the US which swept over India last month (October) with several accomplished women professionals from the media and entertainment industries naming and shaming several powerful editors and movie moguls who were lording it over these high-profile industries. As numerous highly educated women broke their silence and posted stories of sexual harassment and intimidation in their workplaces on social media, the hitherto covered up reality that girl children and women — illiterate, educated, employed in organised/unorganised sectors — are experiencing sexual harassment including lewd language, touching, groping, stalking and worse on a daily basis, has provoked nationwide outrage, particularly within the country’s 600 million women citizens. Against this backdrop of women across the country having shed their traditional inhibitions about naming and shaming sexual predators be they ever so high, there’s growing awareness, particularly within middle class India of the importance of educating male children about gender equality, sensitivity and respect. Suddenly, there’s rising fear of boys — invariably the spoilt darlings of the family — being named, shamed and disgraced, even if not ruined, for sexually aberrant behaviour and misconduct. Although die-hard patriarchs and incorrigible males tend to dismiss India’s #metoo movement as a storm in a teacup, make no mistake it’s a defining moment in the country’s inegalitarian social history. Parents who ignore its implications could live to see their dreams and ambitions for their darling sons go up in smoke. You have been warned! There’s much else in this issue of ParentsWorld. Check out the Middle Years section on ways and means to boost children’s cognitive capabilities, a report on the disturbing teen suicides epidemic and Dr. Gita Mathai’s insightful column on the importance of including minerals-rich foods in family diets. Also read our Interview with Neerja Birla, the hands-on chairperson of the Aditya Birla Education Trust. Happy Diwali!n July 5, the globally respected London-based weekly The Economist (estb.1843) featured a cover story titled ‘How India is failing its women’. The feature detailed that women’s participation in contemporary India’s workforce is lower than in any G20 country except Saudi Arabia, and contributes only one-sixth of GDP. A week earlier on June 28, a report of the London-based Thomson Reuters Foundation shocked the Indian establishment by ranking India the world’s most dangerous country for women, more threatening than Afghanistan, war-torn Syria and Saudi Arabia. These reports preceded the #metoo tsunami originating in the US which swept over India last month (October) with several accomplished women professionals…

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Mailbox

Alarming child mental health crisis

Your cover story on the alarming incidence of mental illnesses among children of all ages was an eye opener (PW October). In the majority of Indian households, the issue of mental health is swept under the carpet with family members hoping the problem will go away with the passage of time. As parents, we need to shed social stigma, learn to confront uncomfortable situations head-on and help our children find professional counselors. Children particularly in the transitional stage between teenage and adulthood, face numerous challenges ranging from bullying, academic pressure to constant social media scrutiny. Today’s digital age is nerve wracking for teens and as parents we need to be there for them. Tripthi Bhatnagar Chennai Ensure children’s emotional well-being I work as a middle school teacher and was happy to read the feature on mind-mapping (PW October). Creating diagrams to visually organise information is a great way to boost children’s attention spans and retention. I look forward to reading similar teaching-learning focused features in future PW issues. I must also congratulate you on an excellent cover story on child mental health. I must admit I was ignorant about the many mental disorders children are vulnerable to and red flag indicators such as loss of interest in once pleasurable activities; erratic eating habits; sleep disorders and extreme mood swings. I believe introducing a no-gadgets day at home and spending quality time with children will go a long way in ensuring their emotional well-being. Every child has a right to a happy, stress-free childhood. Malini Goel Bangalore Children-focused pages request Thanks for the Activity Zone section featuring the lemon volcano experiment (PW October). My sons loved conducting the experiment. They also enjoyed reading the Fun with Words section. It would be great if you can introduce some pages dedicated to children and teenagers. Veena Mandal Bangalore Eco-warriors need Congratulations on publishing an informative parenting magazine. I enjoy reading it and in particular the Health & Nutrition essays written by Dr. Gita Mathai. Her recent column on the plastics invasion was very timely. I believe the need of the hour is to sensitise parents and children to the grave consequences of rapid environmental degradation. I volunteer with an NGO which works in the area of environment conservation. One of the biggest challenges facing humankind is rampant plastics use. Every parent must take a pledge to minimise, if not eliminate, plastic use. It can be done through simple ways — for instance by taking to cloth bags and using eco-friendly food containers made of palm leaves or ceramic in the kitchen. Parents and children also need to assume the role of citizen activists to prevent shops from using plastics. We need to motivate and enable generation next to conserve and protect the environment. Shekinah Nambisan Trivandrum Perceptive and informative I am an avid reader of both your publications — ParentsWorld and EducationWorld. I think it is appropriate that your publications focus attention on new-age afflictions — from digital-age addiction to…

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News Bytes

Excessive mobile phone usage affects memory of teens

Teens who talk excessively on the mobile phone and hold their phones close up to their right ear, score poorly in some memory tests, says a study (July) conducted by the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Switzerland. The results suggest that memory impairment might be a side-effect of radiation from overuse of mobile phones. Nearly 700 Swiss teens took part in a test of figural memory, which helps one recall abstract symbols and shapes. They participated in this memory test twice, one year apart. The researchers also surveyed teens on mobile phone usage. The researchers found that those who held their phone close to the right ear were exposed to higher levels of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) and scored worse after a year. “Potential risks to the brain can be minimised by using headphones or the speaker while calling, in particular when network quality is low and the mobile phone is functioning at maximum power,” says Martin Roosli, head of environmental exposures and health at the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute. Also read: Social media distracts teens Spending time online increases junk food consumption Young children who spent more than 30 minutes a day on the Internet are twice as likely to pester their parents for junk food, says a recent study conducted by the University of Liverpool and Cancer Research UK. Researchers questioned 2,500 seven to eleven-year-olds and their parents across the UK about their eating and screen time habits. The survey indicates that primary school children who spend more than three hours online are more than four times likely to spend their pocket money on chocolate, chips, sugary drinks, and takeaways than their peers who browse for less than half an hour. These children were also 79 percent more likely to be overweight. The study found that, on average, children spent 16 hours a week online and watched 22 hours of television per week. Dr Jyotsna Vohra, head of cancer policy research, Cancer Research UK, says the study reveals a strong association between diet and advertising of junk food on television and the Internet. “It’s vital we see a 9 pm watershed on junk food adverts on TV and similar protection for children viewing adverts on-demand and online,” she says. Breastfeeding improves cognitive skills A new study conducted by Queen’s University, Belfast, in collaboration with University College Dublin, University College London and Cass Business School, UK shows that breastfeeding infants is likely to enhance their cognitive and memorisation skills. The study, which began in 1958, tracked approximately 9,000 participants from birth to age 50. Researchers found that infants who were breastfed for one month or more scored higher on memory tests in adulthood than those who were not breastfed. Breastfed children also recorded 10 percent higher household income. According to Dr. Mark McGovern, lead researcher and lecturer in economics at Queen’s Management School, Belfast, these findings are important as they show a direct correlation between infancy and memory and later economic development. “Promotional campaigns have highlighted…

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Early Childhood

Attempting baby routines

Cynthia John Babies thrive on routine,” said the you-can’t-survive-without-it book that a friend presented me on her first visit to see my baby. But baby doesn’t seem to understand that verity. She thrives on upsetting my routine and chortling gleefully at my puffy sleepless eyes. Everyone coos it’s cute but I know she is secretly laughing at me. I am planning my revenge. Still, hope is something one desperately needs to cling to, since there is nothing else to cling to, with baby having separated me from husband and whatever else I liked to ‘cling’ to. So I decided to believe the book and focus on its golden statement that babies thrive on routine. I placed the clock on a wall directly opposite my bed (so that baby could also start learning routine). I read up a few more chapters from the you-can’t-survive-without-it book and drew up a schedule. The next feed was due at 8 a.m. But why is baby screaming at 7 a.m? Doesn’t she understand routine since she’s supposed to thrive on it? So I let her be. But the screaming rose to such a crescendo I had to plug my ears. That helped but it brought the rest of the family and guests out of their bathrooms, bedrooms and balconies. “What happened?” “Is she hurt?” “Is her stomach hurting?” “Did she fall off the bed?” “Did she eat something that’s causing a gas problem?” ‘Grrr,’ I tell myself, and give them all a big smile. “No, she’s just hungry.” “Oh.” That satisfied everyone and they melted away. Except for my mother. “Then why don’t you feed her?” she asked with nerve-grating logic. I had no intention of explaining how babies thrive on routine, so I just said, “I was just going to,” and sighed when she exited. 7:15 a.m. Despite her breach of routine, I fed her hoping for better luck the next time. But clearly, baby had no intention of feeding at scheduled times. She believes in feeding and sleeping whenever convenient and no amount of discipline or reasoning works. But I’m not ready to give in. There is something else to be tried, the bedtime routine. According to the survival guide, bedtime routines relax children who need daily de-stressing to induce them to sleep. Sounds good. But then baby gradually slipped into the routine of sleeping for only six hours at night. So out with the bedtime story books, lullaby CDs, and my soothing, pastel nightdresses. I take out a bedtime story book. “Here’s a nice story for you.” So far, so good. Is the camera rolling? Now… CUT! CUT! CUT! CUT! Baby grabs the book and hits me over the head with it. “No!” I yell. Then I remember. No negative words at bedtime. It’s unwinding time. Time for peace. “Little darling (I hope she can’t detect sarcasm yet), come and sit with me for a story from that lovely book.” She weighs the book and throws it at the wall. And chortles…

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Middle Years

Boost your child’s cognitive capability

With the school year well on its way and the Feb-March exam season not far away, most children are likely to experience stress and pressure coping with homework, project completion, and exam preparation. This is an apposite time to stimulate and reenergise their cognitive capabilities and improve concentration and retention through innovative strategies. K.P. Malini recommends six ways to boost your child’s brain and cognitive power. 1.A dose of nature is a great way to improve the attention and concentration spans of children. A recent study published in Frontiers in Psychology (January 2018), conducted by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, USA, highlights that lessons conducted outdoors significantly improve children’s attention spans and boost learning. The study reveals that even a view of greenery through a classroom window can have a positive effect on children’s learning and attention spans. (NB: Research has also demonstrated that green time boosts concentration levels and productivity in adult workplaces). 2. Stimulate children’s brains through enjoyable problem-solving exercises, video games (set a time limit), crosswords, puzzles etc. Games such as Memory, Scrabble and Uno improve attention spans, while tasks that involve sequencing (eg. building a home or aeroplane model) improve the ability to focus. 3. Eat right; think better — a healthy and balanced diet contributes significantly to children’s cognitive well-being. For instance if children skip breakfast, they are unlikely to be able to focus in school. Ensure your child eats a healthy breakfast followed by lunch, snack and dinner. Nuts, avocados, and eggs are known to boost brain power. In particular, several research studies have revealed that consumption of walnuts improves children’s performance in tests involving cognitive functions, including those assessing information processing speed, memory, and concentration. 4. Regular exercise and outdoor play also have an important role in re-energising and enhancing cognitive capabilities. In particular practising yoga improves energy levels and brain functions. Researchers have found that practicing yoga and mindfulness meditation for 25 minutes per day significantly improves attention spans. 5. A power nap for 20 minutes or half an hour after school helps children focus on homework and improves retention. 6. Help children set short time goals for completing homework and study. Encourage them to take short breaks after 15-20 minutes of intense study.

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Ask the Doctor

Treating head Lice and Nits

There is an outbreak of head lice in my daughter’s class. She and some of her friends were sent home from school because of this contagion. I am very careful with my daughter’s hair care routine — she has shoulder length hair. My husband has advised that we cut her hair but I know it will upset her. We have tried a medicated shampoo but the lice have resurfaced. Please advise.— Sreeja Ramesh, Chennai You don’t have to cut her hair. Lice infestation is very common in school-going children. There are numerous over-the-counter medications available in the market. For instance, you could try the 1 percent Permethrin scalp rinse. Most of them work well when applied to wet hair and left to soak for 20 minutes before washing thoroughly. Don’t use oil or soap to wash hair on the day of application. All family members need to be treated on the same day, including men. Usually a single application will suffice. Reinfestation can be treated similarly and may be repeated once in three months. My 12-year-old daughter loves outdoor sports and has recently been selected to play for her school’s junior cricket team. However she tends to tan very fast. Is there a natural way to protect or de-tan her skin? — Lakshmi MV, Bangalore The common preference for light skin tone is somewhat outdated. Moreover sun tans usually diminish and disappear over a period of one to three months. Exposure to natural sunlight does not require the use of any sun screen lotion or de-tan preparation. Let your daughter enjoy the pleasure of playing in natural sunlight. Many people use hand sanitisers before a meal. Are the chemicals present in them likely to cause harm? Please advise whether I should encourage my children to use them.— Ridhima Seerat, Mumbai It’s preferable to avoid hand sanitisers, although they are routinely recommended in healthcare clinics and hospitals. Hand sanitisers contain chemicals such as triclosan, which is a known endocrine disrupter. Using sanitisers frequently can also deplete microorganisms of the skin. Washing hands with soap and water is a better routine before meals and after using the bathroom. However hand sanitisers serve a useful purpose during picnics and tours. As a child, I was always told by my parents that playing in the rain causes cold and cough infections. My children love to play in the rain and also spend time in the swimming pool. Are they likely to be susceptible? — Shaheen Khan, Pune Playing in the rain and/or swimming is unconnected with common cold infections, which are caused by viruses. But the first rain (of the season) in urban cities may contain chemicals (usually called acid rain) and it’s better to avoid it. (Dr. Sajeevan E.S. is a consultant paediatrician at Pathoor Nursing Home, Malappuram, Kerala)

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Ask your Counselor

Anger management, childhood depression & problem-solving

I recently got so mad at my children for incessantly playing computer games that I flung their Sony Play Station 4 against the wall. My husband believes I have trouble with anger management. But this is the first time that I have had such an outburst. Is there any way I can make up and help them understand the reasons which drove me into such rage — no amount of rules/regulations about play time and grounding have worked earlier? Should I apologise? But I also don’t want be too contrite as they will coerce me into buying them a new gaming device. — Malati R, Bangalore Please seek professional help to cope with your inability to regulate your emotions. If you model extreme and violent behaviour, your children will begin to believe that you can be easily provoked and later manipulated to get their way with you. You need to be consistent in enforcing discipline and rules. I recommend that you apologise to your children for the emotional outburst. But by letting anger and rage dictate your actions, you have demonstrated poor problem-solving skills. There are many non-violent ways to discipline children. Listen to your children’s opinions and encourage them to take responsibility for their behaviour by explaining consequences of excessive gaming. Emotional outbursts followed by punishment are best avoided. My son is a class XI student and his best friend is a class topper. Recently my son came home very upset because he found out that his friend cheats during exams. He boasted about it to my son. I have advised him to report this to his teacher but he refuses to do so. He is also very distressed about this disclosure. — Nisha Aggrawal, Mumbai This is a good experience for your son, no matter how distressing, to acquire problem-solving and relationship building skills as it gives him an opportunity to ideate a suitable solution. My advice to you is to be a supportive parent who doesn’t rush to solve the problem for him. In life, we meet people who have differing values. Leave it to your son to talk this through with his friend. As parents, we tend to often portray the world as black and white. In reality, it is a whole playing field of greys. Your son needs to reflect and decide whether to stand up for his values or to overlook his friend’s flaws. You can help him weigh the pros and cons of either choice. Either way, it is his life, experience and learning. You could also discuss similar incidents when you were confused and worked through a problem. Is there a minimum age for onset of depression? I suspect my 11-year-old daughter is depressed. She has become a shell of her original self. She used to be cheerful and talkative and participate in all school activities. Now she is withdrawn, returns from school and heads straight into her bedroom and locks the door. She doesn’t seem to have friends anymore, and declined…

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Interview

“There’s a fine line between being a friend and parent”

In an interview with Dipta Joshi, Neerja Birla, chairperson of the Aditya Birla Education Trust, discusses the critical importance of shedding stigma about mental health issues and her struggle to balance home and work duties Neerja Birla is the hands-on chairperson of the Aditya Birla Education Trust which runs the Aditya Birla World Academy and The Aditya Birla Integrated School and is also the founder of Mpower Centre, a Mumbai-based mental health diagnostic and treatment centre, and Mpower Foundation, a mental healthcare initiative. Married to Kumar Mangalam Birla, chairman of the heavyweight, transnational Aditya Birla Group of companies (annual revenue: Rs.323,390 crore), and mother of Ananya (23), Aryaman (21) and Advaitesha (14), Neerja discusses the critical importance of shedding social stigma about mental health issues and her struggle to balance work and home duties. What is your parenting philosophy? In my life as a parent I have learnt that actions speak louder than words. Mothers should model the behaviour they want their children to imitate and emulate. Moreover, if you expect respect from your children, you need to respect them as well. For this it’s also important to keep the channels of communication open. Today, children face far more complex situations and challenges than we did. Though exposure to new technologies and innovations makes them smarter, it also has its pain points. Unless children feel safe and confident enough to share everything with parents without fear of being judged, we won’t know what our children are really thinking or feeling. Between your duties as chairperson of the Aditya Birla Education Trust and Mpower, how do you balance home and work? Frankly, it’s a struggle to strike the right balance and at times I am torn between managing home, the schools and mental health centre. On days when I can’t manage it at all, I step back to realign myself. Women naturally want to be perfect in every role we play — the best mum, wife, daughter-in-law, daughter and also excel at work. All this takes a toll which is why we need to often step back and reflect. One has to accept the fact that it’s impossible to meet your expectations at all times. As a mother, I often experience guilt. For instance, I feel guilty when I delay taking my daughter for her health check-up even though there’s good reason for the delay. To mitigate guilt I need to rationalise the circumstances. Rationalising the situation and its outcome has helped me strike a balance. I am a classic Type ‘A’ personality, always impatient and wants things done ‘yesterday’. However, it was my youngest daughter who pointed out that while packing in as much as possible into every day comes naturally to me, it causes stress and strain. Inadvertently, I was also putting pressure on my youngest child to pack her day with activities. What kind of education do you value? Our education system needs to make a paradigm shift from rote learning and right and wrong answers to developing…

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Careers Watch

Great opportunities in horticulture boom

For professionally qualified horticulturists there are wide-ranging work options which offer handsome remuneration With an annual growth rate of 30-35 percent, India’s high potential horticulture industry is belatedly blooming and is poised for a great leap forward with the opening up of foreign markets post the new World Trade Organisation accords and revolutionary advances in greenhouse technology. The entry of retail giants such as Reliance, Future, Foodworld and Walmart which have established multi-product retail chain stores inter alia offering farm fresh and processed foods to the fast expanding middle class countrywide has also given this high potential but hitherto neglected industry a big boost. For admission into most B.Sc (horticulture) degree or diploma programmes, the minimum eligibility requirement is clearance of Plus Two in science or agriculture with at least 50 percent average. The minimum qualification for admission into a Master’s programme in horticulture is a 60 percent-plus average while graduating in the same or related streams. Admission into colleges and universities requires good grades in school-leaving and entrance examinations. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (Krishi Anusandhan Bhavan, New Delhi) conducts a pan-India entrance examination for admission into undergraduate courses in agriculture, horticulture, and allied sciences for 15 percent of the total number of seats in state agricultural universities and the Central Agricultural University, Imphal. Among the most reputable universities and colleges for agriculture/horticulture are: • Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara, Thrissur • Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, Dapoli • Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri • Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani • College of Agriculture, Pune • University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore • College of Agriculture, Hebbal, Karnataka • College of Horticulture, Rahuri • Rev. Carey Institute of Horticulture, Kolkata • Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Solan • Central Agricultural University, Imphal • G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar • Gujarat Agricultural University, Sardar Krushinagar • Institute of Agricultural Sciences, BHU, Varanasi • University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad For professionally qualified horticulturists, there are wide-ranging work options (including entrepreneurship) which offer handsome remuneration. They can be gainfully employed in agro-based industries, insecticides, pesticides, and fungicide manufacturing units; and state horticulture and forest departments. Moreover hotels, health farms, holiday resorts, and a growing number of office and residential complexes employ horticulturists to beautify their environments. NEW OPPORTUNITIES. For Indian industry to rise to the new opportunities and challenges in agro-industry and horticulture, in 1998 the Maharashtra State Agricultural Marketing Board (MSAMB) drew up a blueprint of a world-class Horticulture Training Centre (HTC) at Talegaon (near Pune) in collaboration with the Practical Training Centre of the Netherlands and The Netherlands Development Finance Company. According to Dr. Suresh Dhumal, former director of HTC, there are huge employment and entrepreneurial opportunities in this industry. “Across the world there is a shift from traditional to commercial crops like biofuel. An imminent shortage in agricultural crop will compel developed countries to turn to India which has an edge in terms of natural and human resources. Within the next decade Indian horticulture firms will…

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School Profile

Paul George Global School, Delhi

Sited on a modern 2.1-acre campus in the heart of South Delhi, the CBSE-affiliated Paul George Global School (PGGS, estb. 2015) has quickly earned a reputation for providing a rigorous academic programme supplemented by a rich menu of extra-curricular and sports activities to enable all-round development of students. Affiliated with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), PGGS has an enrolment of 500 Kindergarten-class VII students and 52 teachers on its muster rolls. The school follows a Montessori-inspired child-centric pedagogy which encourages projects-based and experiential learning. PGGS was promoted in 2015 by industrialist M.G. George Muthoot in memory of his son Paul M. George under the aegis of St. George’s Education Society, which also runs the St. George’s School, Delhi, and two nursing colleges, an allied health sciences and management college and the Muthoot Institute of Technology and Science — all in Kerala. PGGS Leaders M.G. George Muthoot Chairman A highly respected entrepreneur-philanthropist, M.G. George Muthoot is chairman of the Kochi-based Muthoot Group (annual revenue: Rs.6,200 crore) and the St. George’s Education Society. An alumnus of Harvard University and Wharton School of Business, he is committed to offering “holistic education encompassing academics, co-curricular activities, sports education and life-skills learning” to students. Geeta Karunakaran Principal An education and English literature alumna of Pune University, Geeta Karunakaran served with the Army School, Shahjahanpur, Lotus Valley International School, Noida and Manav Rachna International School, Faridabad prior to her appointment as founder-principal of the Paul George Global School in 2015. A qualified outbound trainer who also worked with the Bangalore-based Pegasus Institute of Excellence and Educomp Solutions Ltd, Karunakaran has helped create a conducive learning environment that inspires excellence and encourages high performance through experiential learning pedagogies. Campus Infrastructure The school’s contemporary 2.1-acre wi-fi enabled campus, designed by the well-known Montreal (Canada)-based Arcop Associates Pvt. Ltd, provides state-of-the-art academic, co-curricular and sports facilities. The academic block hosts 56 well-ventilated classrooms equipped with Pearson Smart boards; a library with over 1,000 books and electronic resources; a well-equipped composite science laboratory; and amphitheatre. However, the school’s showpiece facility is its 564-seat auditorium that not only hosts cultural programmes but is provided with automated retractable seating which transforms the auditorium into an indoor basketball court within five minutes. In 2017, PGGS was conferred the # 4 national rank in the EducationWorld Grand Jury Awards in the category of campus architecture and design. Special academic programmes Connecting minds is a unique programme that raises awareness within the school’s pre-primary parents about early childhood education pedagogies. Parental interface, an interaction with parents, is held every month and ‘home visits’ are also scheduled. Innovative and activity-based learning programmes include Extra Mile, Heritage Walks, Passion Time and Buddy Interaction among others. Co-curricular and Sports Education PGGS is committed to the all-round development of children and offers a host of co-curricular activities including dance, music, art & craft and sculpture etc. The school also boasts excellent sports facilities including a temperature-controlled shaded…

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Fun with Words

Exchanging Unpleasantries

Dysphemism, the opposite of euphemism, can result in some rude awakenings – Roopa Banerjee Most of us are aware of ‘euphemism’ but how many of us can claim to be familiar with its sibling ‘dysphemism’? Euphemism is a polite way of saying something unpleasant while dysphemism is the exact opposite. It is a figure of speech where a disagreeable, offensive, or disparaging expression is substituted for an agreeable or inoffensive phrase. “Your old man won’t be pleased if you stay out too late” is a dysphemism as old man is substituted for one’s father. It is an impolite way of saying something nice. Dysphemisms are found aplenty in informal conversations. For example, saying ‘ball and chain’ instead of one’s spouse. Most of its usage is for effect. The term dysphemism originated from the Greek word dys, meaning ‘miss’, or ‘none’, and pheme, which means ‘speech’. It was added to the English language in the late 1800s. Dysphemisms, more or less, lean towards the derogatory and are best avoided. For instance ‘She needs to be sent to the loony bin,’ sounds harsh when one could just say ‘She needs treatment for a mental disorder.’ Dysphemisms involve the use of negative instead of positive expressions, although not all are intended to be rude. They can be used in an affectionate and light-hearted manner too, for example a parent calling her child ‘rugrat’ or a wife her husband ‘old man’. A common type of dysphemism is using animal names to define a person’s character traits. Known as dysphemistic epithets, they include describing someone as a snake for being wily, pig for being greedy, chicken for being scared and rat for revealing confidential information. Name dysphemism is when we address an elder person by name, omitting her title. In most societies, in particular in India, this is considered rude. Calling your mother’s friend Reshma instead of Reshma Aunty is little short of sacrilege in India. Many languages, more so than English, use different ways of addressing people to indicate respect. Therefore non-native speakers should take heed and avoid causing offence by unintentional dysphemisms. However, sauce for the goose is not always sauce for the gander. What happens when euphemism for one is dysphemism for another? These are known as X-phemisms where the context makes the difference. The term coloured people is now considered a dysphemism while people of colour or Afro-Americans is acceptable. The word retard originated as a euphemism when idiot was a dysphemism. With time and usage, now retard is a dysphemism and mentally-challenged is the new euphemism. This is the ‘euphemism treadmill,’ where words that were once euphemisms become dysphemistic by association. Some milder examples of dysphemism are snail mail for regular post, cancer stick for cigarettes, egghead for genius and dead tree edition for print publications of newspapers that can be read online. The only time dysphemism feels acceptable is when it is used to express anger or social distance from a particular group/community. It is frequently employed in literary texts,…

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Health & Nutrition

Importance of minerals in Family Diets

The general perception is that a nutritious diet should comprise foods rich in proteins, carbohydrates and vitamins. There’s a tendency to ignore all-important minerals while planning family meals as they are mistakenly believed to be insignificant. However, minerals are essential nutrients critical for healthy functioning of the human body. For instance, when a human body is burnt, the composition of the ash is phosphate 47.5 percent, calcium 25.3 percent, sulfate 11.00 percent, potassium 3.69 percent, and sodium1.12 percent. Micro amounts of these heavy metals are essential for enzymatic and biochemical reactions within the human body. Here are some essential minerals which you must include in your children’s and family’s diet. Iron Iron is an essential mineral, deficiency of which causes anaemia with accompanying tiredness and lethargy. The daily iron requirement of the human body is 8.76 mg for men, 14.8 mg for women, 13.7-15.1 mg for children aged 2-11 years, and 16.3 mg for teens aged 12-19 years. Iron-rich foods include red meat, shellfish, legumes, spinach, peas and beans. Iron present in vegetables takes more time to absorb because vegetables contain chemicals called phytates which bind with iron, slowing solubility and absorption. Calcium Amazingly, 99 percent of the human skeleton is composed of calcium, commonly found in milk and milk products. The daily requirement varies from 700 mg to 1200 mg. Deficiency causes lethargy, irritability, stunting, rickets, osteopenia and osteoporosis. Phosphate The minimum daily requirement of phosphate is 700 mg. As it is present in almost all foods, dietary deficiency is rare. However it can manifest in individuals who consume large quantities of aluminium-containing antacids. Deficiency causes weakness and osteoporosis. Zinc Zinc deficiency is associated with subfertility, reduced libido, diarrhoea, hair loss and skin lesions. It is present in foods such as seafood, oats, bran, meat, eggs and nuts. Deficiency can occur in cases of severe malnutrition or in individuals who are on prolonged, exclusive intravenous fluid maintenance. The daily requirement is 9 mg for men and 7 mg for women. Copper The human body needs copper in doses of 1.2 mg per day, commonly found in crabs, prawns, cereals and nuts. Deficiency is usually hereditary and causes stunting, brittle and kinky hair and mental retardation. Both breast and cow’s milk contain small amounts of copper, and supplementation is rarely needed in infants. Chromium Chromium is required by humans in very small amounts — 0.2- 50 µgms (microgram) per day. Meat, grains, fruits, vegetables, and spices provide this mineral. Chromium is essential for the proper utilisation of glucose, functioning of insulin and metabolism of cholesterol. Selenium Selenium is a trace mineral found in garlic, meat, seafood, cereals and grains. The daily requirement is 50-200 µgms. Selenium is a constituent of antioxidant enzymes. Deficiency is rare and may cause myopathy, arthritis and premature ageing. High doses of selenium are toxic and manifest as hair loss, depigmentation of skin, abnormal nails, tiredness and garlic odour. Iodine Iodine deficiency causes goitre, hypothyroidism, cretinism, decreased fertility, increased infant mortality, and mental retardation. Iodine is…

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Health & Nutrition

Delicious desi chutneys

Indian chutneys use herbs and spices which are nutritious, aid digestion, and help to detox. Unlike readymade spreads and dips laden with salt, preservatives, added colours and flavours, home-made chutneys use natural ingredients rich in vitamins and minerals. They are a great accompaniment to any meal. Here are some offbeat chutney recipes, writes Parvathy Menon Radish chutney Ingredients 1 cup grated radish 1/2 tsp chana dal 1 tsp urad dal 1/2 tsp cumin 1/4 chopped tomatoes 2 dried red chillies 1/2 inch ginger 1 tbsp oil For tempering Few curry leaves 1/2 tsp mustard seeds Pinch of asafoetida Pinch of cumin 1 tsp oil Preparation guide Dry-roast the dals until golden brown. Turn off the heat and add cumin. Set aside to cool and dry grind in a mixer. Fry the chillies in oil, add the radish and saute for a few minutes. Add the tomatoes and salt and fry until the oil starts oozing out of the mix. Cool this mix and add to the dals in the mixer. Blend adding a little water if you want a thinner consistency. Add salt to taste. Transfer to a serving bowl. Fry the tempering ingredients in a pan and pour over the radish chutney.Serve with rice, paratha and/or bread. Health benefits Radish is rich in Vitamins E, A, C, B6, and K, and high on antioxidants, fibre, zinc, potassium, phosphorous, magnesium, and iron. Carrot chutney Ingredients 1/2 cup chopped carrot 1/2 cup chopped coconut 1/2 inch ginge 2 green chillies 1 tbsp chana dal Lemon juice Salt to taste For tempering A few curry leaves 1/2 tsp mustard seeds Pinch of asafoetida Pinch of cumin 1 tsp oil Preparation guide Fry the tempering ingredients in a pan and set aside. Blend the chopped carrot, coconut, chana dal, green chillies, ginger, salt and cumin in a mixer. Add lemon juice and blend again. Serve in a bowl and add the tempering. Serve with rice or dosas. Health benefits Carrots help to lower cholesterol levels, improve eye health, cardio-vascular health and skin complexion. High in potassium and anti-oxidants, they also help prevent cancer and aid weight loss. Beetroot chutney Ingredients 1 cup chopped beetroot 2 green chillies 1 red chilly Few curry leaves 1/2 tsp cumin 1/2 inch ginger 1 ½ tsp bengal gram 1/2 tsp urad dal Salt to taste 1 tbsp oil Lemon juice Preparation guide Heat oil in a pan, and add the curry leaves, ginger, red and green chillies and fry till crisp. Set aside some of this mixture to use as tempering. Fry the beetroot in a pan until tender. Blend all the roasted ingredients in a mixer. Add little water if necessary. Add lemon juice and salt to taste. Blend till smooth. Transfer to a bowl and garnish with the tempering. Serve with rice or parathas. Health benefits Beetroots help build stamina, fight diabetes, rejuvenate skin, reduce inflammation and prevent dementia. They are rich in folic acid, calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc and selenium. Vegetable chutney Ingredients 2…

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Parents Corner

Child safety basics

PW invited parents of GD Goenka World School, Sohna Road, to share their ideas on promoting and ensuring child safety “Safety and security of my sons Nakul (class VII) and Kunal (class V) is top priority especially when they are home alone. We have shared the contacts of all our close friends and relatives on their smartphones so they can seek their assistance in an emergency. Prior to our vacations overseas, I make badges containing details of hotel and nearby police and fire stations, which I insist they must wear at all times during the tour. Even on school excursions and treks, Nakul and Kunal have been instructed to strictly stick with their respective groups and keep their guide’s contact number handy. In my opinion, the most important caution we exercise is never to leave our children entirely in the care of domestic staff.” — Monica Mital, owner, Cotton Crafters “I am an entrepreneur and have erratic working hours. However I ensure complete safety of my five-year-old daughter Amarah Ripdaman Singh (Kindergarten), by relying on new-age digital technologies such as CCTV, iPhone etc. I keep an eye on Amarah on an hourly basis whether she is in playschool or alone at home with her nanny. Before leaving for work, I take utmost care to ensure the doors to the balconies of the house are locked and sharp items are kept out of reach. Moreover, I have strictly instructed her not to accept gifts from strangers or encourage conversation. I have also educated her about good and bad touch to the extent possible.” — Julia Carmen Desa, entrepreneur. “A three-point programme works best to keep my daughters — 19-year-old Arshia and14-year-old Suhana (class VIII) — safe when they are home alone. First, never open the door to anyone even if they are neighbours or family friends. When they are outdoors on their own, my daughters carry pepper spray and are well prepared to report to the nearest police station in case of an untoward incident. Thirdly, I have taught my daughters the nuances of self-defence, which is by far the best way to keep them safe.” — Shalini Garg, poet and blogger “We have suitably educated our children — 17-year-old Inika (class XI) and 14-year old Akshath (class IX) — about how to cope with medical emergencies in our absence. Both of them are well-trained in first-aid, and know whom to call in case of a crisis. Phone numbers of our friends, family and neighbours are shared on their phones and pasted on the notice boards in their bedrooms. A year ago, Akshath had an accidental fall on the stairs and badly bruised his knees. Inika was quick to help him up and apply first-aid and then called in our neighbour who took Akshath to a doctor. I am confident my children can manage themselves fairly well in our absence.” — Sweyta Mishra, academic advisor, The ITM Global School

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